What is Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Discover the rich history of women’s and gender studies, a program that, since the 1970s, has been examining and researching the experiences of women and the development of feminist ideas. The fields of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies have evolved to take up social justice issues and contemporary inequities, making this an important field of study. WGSX is explored through scholarly research that can be found in literature, psychology, science, history, and much more.

Critically examine modern issues, such as:

Theories and practices of feminism as they relate to gender, race, sexuality, dis/ability, religion and nation;

Cultural constructions of women and men;

The fluid and shifting nature of gender as a social construct;

How gender affects our legal, political and healthcare institutions, our places of work, as well as the most intimate aspects of our family lives;

Gender at the intersections of class, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and other variables to create complex power relations;

The historical and contemporary relationships between knowledge and power in society.

Admission Requirements

Program Options include:

• 3 or 4 year B.A. with a Minor in Women’s and Gender Studies
• 3 or 4 year B.A. with a Minor in Critical Sexuality Studies
• 3-year B.A. with a Concentration or Minor in Women’s and Gender Studies
• 4-year B.A. with a Major or Concentration in Women’s and Gender Studies
• Certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies, either independently or while completing another degree program outside the Humanities and Social Sciences
• Single elective courses while completing another degree program
• A variety of courses in English and French and the possibility of completing a 3-year B.A. through our distance education program

Program Options

Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies offers 3 and 4 year degrees that can be designed according to the student’s interests and strengths. The Department Chair is always available to offer academic advising. Students should contact us early on in their degree to make the most of their options. We offer the following programs of study:

*Elective courses may include all courses listed in the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program–i.e., WGSX courses and/or courses offered by other departments and appearing in the calendar, such as CLAS 2095, ENGL 3257, etc. Please see below for an exact list.

** The Certificate in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies is normally awarded to students outside the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (e.g.: Professional Schools such as midwifery, social work…), or to those not pursuing full or part time studies and who may already be working in their chosen field outside the university –i.e., teachers, healthcare service providers, counselors, human resources managers or anyone else who would like to study the field but may not be pursuing a 3 or 4 year degree. (Students must ask the Registrar of Laurentian University to have their certificate put on their transcript when applying to graduate.)

Your degree in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Students are encouraged to think creatively about the overall structure of their full academic program whether they are taking any of the following options in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies:

Major (42 credits)

Concentration (36 credits)—for three-year degrees only

Minor (24 credits)

Minor in Critical Sexuality Studies (24 credits)

Certificate (30 credits)

Our students combine Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies with other programs of study in consultation with the Department Chair. Specializations, Majors, Minors and Certificates from any department in the Social Sciences, Humanities and Sciences can be combined with those from Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. (Note: We do not yet have a Specialization in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies). For example the following chart shows how the programs of study may be combined in the different ways:

Specialization

Major 1

Major 2

Concentration

Minor 1

Minor 2

BA 3 yr

*

BA 3 yr

*

*

BA 3 yr

*

*

BA 4 yr

*

BA 4 yr

*

*

BA 4 yr

*

*

BA 4 yr

*

*

*

BA 4 yr

*

*

BA 4 yr

*

*

*

BA 4 yr

*

*

*

BA 4 yr

*

*

Examples of some possible combinations are a BA 4 year degree with a double Major in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Psychology and a Minor in Philosophy. Or, students might choose to do a BA 4 year degree with a Major in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Minors in Biology and Native Studies. If students are doing a Specialization in English, they can also do a Major in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. There is a great deal of flexibility in how students combine their studies.

Students who have already graduated can return to take a few more courses in order to gain a Minor or Certificate in a particular subject, and when they do so their transcript will be appropriately amended.

The Certificate in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies is awarded to students following a program of study outside of the Humanities and Social Sciences or not enrolled in another university program. For example, Nursing or Social Work students sometimes choose to do the Certificate because they’d like to focus on gender-related health or well-being in their field of work. The Certificate allows professionals from outside the university or individuals to pursue a focused program of study without doing a 3 or 4 year degree. For example, teachers, healthcare service providers, counselors, human resources managers or other individuals may all take the Certificate for interest or professional development.

Students should consult an academic advisor from each department where a program of study is followed. For example, the Department Chair/Academic Advisor from Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies advises about requirements for Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies modules but cannot advise on requirements for Political Science or History. Programs of study require specific courses, some of which (for example, Statistics) may be common to other programs. Students may count only one such course for two programs of study though Certificates do allow the ‘double-counting’ of courses.

(Content based on the document submitted by the Subcommittee on Majors and Minors – Endorsed by CELP and ACAPLAN (in principle) – March 19, 2010
Recommended by ACAPLAN – October 15, 2010)

Offered in English, but some courses may be available in French.

All students are encouraged to contact the for academic advising. Please consult Webadvisor for scheduled course offerings but note that most WGSX courses are offered regularly on the Laurentian campus and by Distance through Laurentian Online.
(L = On campus at Thorneloe University, Laurentian University in Sudbury; O = Laurentian Online)

For full course descriptions, please see “Courses” in the next section below.

have achieved a GPA of 3.5 in the previous year or in the previous 30 consecutive credits.

A student is subject to a one-year probationary period if he or she:

fails more than 6 credits in an academic year or a sequence of 30 credits;

does not maintain a minimum concentration/specialization/major or overall GPA of 3.5 in an academic year or a sequence of 30 credits.

A student is required to withdraw from the university if he or she:

does not satisfy all conditions of admission after one year or 30 consecutive credits;

fails more than 42 credits;

has not achieved good academic standing in two consecutive years or 60 consecutive credits.

Students required to withdraw may petition the Senate Committee on Academic Regulations and Awards for readmission after one calendar year, with a recommendation from the academic unit prior to consideration by the committee.

BA Graduation Requirements (pre-September 2017)

To graduate with a 3 year Bachelor of Arts degree, a student must:

meet all stated requirements for the degree;

complete 90 credits after no more than 132 credit attempts, with a minimum overall GPA of 3.5 (only courses taken at Laurentian University or its affiliated colleges are included in the calculation of averages);

not count more than 42 credits of first year courses.

minimum of 6 credits in Sciences

To graduate with a 4 year Bachelor of Arts degree, a student must:

meet all stated requirements for the degree;

complete 120 credits after no more than 162 credit attempts, with a minimum GPA of 3.5 (only courses taken at Laurentian University or its Affiliated Colleges are included in the calculation of averages);

not count more than 42 credits of first year courses.

minimum of 6 credits in Sciences

Notes:

A specialization normally consists of 60 credits.

Students may take a maximum of 78 credits in a single subject area for credit toward the degree.

A major consists of 42 credits

A concentration consists of 36 credits

BA Graduation Requirements (September 2017 and onwards)

To graduate with a 3 year Bachelor of Arts degree, a student must:

meet all stated requirements for the degree;

complete 90 credits after no more than 132 credit attempts, with a minimum overall GPA of 3.5 (only courses taken at Laurentian University or its affiliated colleges are included in the calculation of averages);

not count more than 42 credits of first year courses.

minimum of 6 credits in courses promoting linguistic awareness

minimum of 6 credits in courses with a minimum of 50% Indigenous content

minimum of 6 credits in scientific literacy

To graduate with a 4 year Bachelor of Arts degree, a student must:

meet all stated requirements for the degree;

complete 120 credits after no more than 162 credit attempts, with a minimum GPA of 3.5 (only courses taken at Laurentian University or its Affiliated Colleges are included in the calculation of averages);

not count more than 42 credits of first year courses.

minimum of 6 credits in courses promoting linguistic awareness

minimum of 6 credits in courses with a minimum of 50% Indigenous content

minimum of 6 credits in scientific literacy

Notes:

A specialization normally consists of 60 credits.

Students may take a maximum of 78 credits in a single subject area for credit toward the degree.

A major consists of 42 credits

A concentration consists of 36 credits

Linguistic Awareness Requirement for the BA (6 credits)

According to their category, students need to follow 6 credits from the table below: STUDENT CATEGORY

REQUIREMENT

1)

Students completing a B.A. with at least one concentration, major or specialization in an French-language program

6 cr. in LANG 1005FL Grammaire appliquée à la rédaction

OR the former FRAN 1805FL

2)

Students admitted based on a TOEFL score (or equivalent) or EAP Level 3

6 cr. in ENGL 1550EL Academic Reading and Writing

3)

All other students completing a B.A.

Note:

Option a) will be attractive to a wide range of students, whether their career aspirations are regional, national or

CHOOSE ONE OF THREE OPTIONS:

a) Learn a new language (or improve second language skills)

6 cr. in French, Nishnaabemwin or Cree; or

in another language other than English;

NOTES:

Transfer credits in languages not currently taught at Laurentian University or its federated partners (e.g. Hebrew) may be used to fulfill this requirement. Credits earned in various languages may be used towards the 24-credit Certificate in Basic Multilingual Competence.

FL courses are available in many disciplines in Arts and Science. Students who obtain at least 15 credits in each official language can obtain the https://laurentian.ca/faculty/arts/certificates-ba-students Certificate of Bilingualism while completing their degree. Go to: for further information.

Indigenous Content Requirement for the BA (6 credits)

All students must take 6 credits of courses with at least 50% Indigenous content from the following list:

A. students are not eligible to take courses in Forensic Science (FORS) with the exception of FORS 1016/1017EL. However, students transferring from Forensic Science into the B.A. may use their FORS credits towards this requirement.

Change of concentration/specialization/major within Arts or Science

A student who wishes to change concentrations/specializations/majors requires the permission of the department chair of the new concentration/specialization/major. The student’s current academic status must be “may proceed in program” or “may proceed in program on probation.”

Courses

All students are encouraged to contact the for academic advising. Please consult Webadvisor for scheduled course offerings but note that most WGSX courses are offered regularly on the Laurentian campus and by Distance through Laurentian Online. (L = On campus at Thorneloe University, Laurentian University in Sudbury; O = Laurentian Online)

This course introduces students to the critical study of gender and how it has increased our understanding of women, men, and their changing roles. Recognizing the diversity of women’s experiences, the course examines the historical and contemporary contexts of social injustices facing women in Canada and globally.
(lec 3) cr 6

WGSX 2006 E Women as Visual Artists I: A Women’s Art History – L, O

This course presents an overview of a women’s art history in the Western art tradition from its beginnings to Modernism in the 1960’s. It examines significant women artists and the issues that impacted their lives as artists; factors that mitigated against women becoming practicing artists; and the development of scholarship devoted to a women’s art history. Students may not retain credit for both WGSX 2005 and WGSX2006.
(lec 3) cr 6

This course studies women as contemporary artists as well as the issues that inform their art. Emphasis is placed on Feminism and its impact on women’s art and imagery. The work of Canadian women artists is included in the course content. Students may not retain credit for both WGSX 2005 and WGSX 2007.
(lec 3) cr 6

WGSX 2016 E The Production of Knowledge – L, O

This course examines theories of women’s studies and familiarizes students with basic tools and research skills of the discipline. Other topics to be considered will include feminist critiques of knowledge production in the academy, feminist pedagogy, and feminist research methods. As part of the requirement for the course, students may be asked to design and carry out a simple research project.
PREREQ: WGSX 1005 or permission of the department.
(sem 2, lec 1) cr 3

WGSX 2036 E Gender, Work and Families – L, O

The focus of this course is on understanding “women’s work” and “men’s work” as gendered practices. Economies of paid and unpaid work at various scales of production and reproduction including the family and the nation state are examined. Students cannot retain credit for both WGSX 2036 and WGSX 3035 or WGSX 2035.
(lec 3) cr 3

WGSX 2046 E Gender, Race and Racism 3 credits – L

The goal of this course is to understand race and racism as central to the critical study of gender and sexuality. The course introduces students to theories and debates about race and racism as well as forms of resistance to racism used by various communities in Canada.
(lec 3) cr 3

This course examines the work of women in news journalism; assumptions, purposes and practices regarding the representation of gender, class, and sexualities; and the extent to which these are being challenged by feminist writers and activists.
(lec 3) cr 3

WGSX 2107 E Women and Popular Culture – L, O

This course studies representations of women in popular art forms such as television, film, music, and pulp fiction. The course considers images of women in advertising and in narrative story lines and how they influence the status of women in contemporary society.
(lec 3) cr 3

WGSX 2296 E Gender Issues in Education – L

This course introduces students to gender critical approaches to teaching, learning and transformative pedagogies. Historical and contemporary perspectives and debates on schooling and the education of women and men will be addressed.
(sem 1, lec 2) cr 3 This course is not open to first year students.

WGSX 2356 E Reproduction and Mothering – L

This course examines the reproductive role of women and its relation to their status in society, as well as ideologies of motherhood and their implications for women’s experiences and understanding of themselves. Selected contemporary issues arising out of women’s experience of reproduction and mothering will be explored, and may include such issues as the medicalization of childbirth, contraception and abortion, infertility, law and social policy, and the diversity of experiences based on race, class, sexual orientation and disability.
(lec 3) cr 3

WGSX 2357 E Women and Aging – L, O

The focus of this course will be on the problems women face as they age. Included in the course will be topics such as widowhood, poverty and the double standard of aging. Students will also consider the adequacy of initiatives which attempt to address the problems.
(lec 3) cr 3

WGSX 2406 E Violence Against Women – L, O

This course examines a number of different forms of violence against women and its emergence as a social problem. Students will become familiar with different theoretical approaches that shape the way men’s violence against women is understood, studied and debated, including suggested causes and solutions. Students may not retain credit for both WGSX 2406 and WGSX 3405 or WGSX 2405.
(lec 3) cr 3

WGSX 2456 E Women’s Health Issues – L, O

This course explores issues of importance to women as providers and recipients of health care. It will consider various models of physical and mental health and analyse the origins and perspectives of the women’s health movement.
(lec 3) cr 3

WGSX 2506 E Rethinking Masculinities – L

This course introduces critical studies of normative and transgressive practices of masculinity. The course considers how ideals of masculinity come to be accepted or resisted by individuals and institutions in popular culture, tho home, education, workplaces, war and politics, health, sports and intimate relations. It also explores diverse experiences of masculinity through social relations of power such as sex, sexuality, race, class, ability, age, and citizenship.
PREREQ: 18 credits of university courses or permission of the instructor.
(lec 2 sem 1) cr 3

This course will develop a particular area of interest not covered in existing courses, which will vary according to the specialization of the instructor. Topics will be proposed by faculty members teaching in the program, or others with expertise in an area of women’s studies, and approved by the program committee. Students will be limited to two such seminars in the degree program in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
(sem 3) cr 3

WGSX 3015 E Feminist Theories – L, O

This course introduces students to the development of feminist theories in the modern era. It examines various theoretical frameworks and contemporary debates and dilemmas within feminism.
PREREQ: WGSX 2016 or permission of the department. Students cannot retain credit for both WGSX 3015 and 3125.
(sem 1, lec 2) cr 6

WGSX 3037 E Gender, Work and the Global Economy – L, O

The focus of this course is on work as a gendered practice that is integral to the global economy. Paid and unpaid labour at various scales of production and reproduction including national, global and transnational circuits of power will be examined. Students cannot retain credit for both WGSX 3037 and WGSX 3035 or WGSX 2035.
(lec 3) cr 3

WGSX 3046 E Building Gender, Race and Place – L

This course examines how gender, race and other social relations of power figure in the creation of place. Everyday places such as the home and public spaces will be examined. Topics may include how specific groups of people, such as women and men, youth, racially and sexually marginalized people, people living in poverty, and people with (dis)abilities, create place and contest the uses of the built environment in Canada.
Pre-requisite: 30 credits of university level study.
(lec 1, sem 3) cr 3

WGSX 3047 E Gender, Food and Health – L

This course examines food and food production as gendered practices integral to health, economy and identity. Women’s and men’s relationships to food are considered through the production, serving and consumption of food, taking into account the ways in which colonialism and global capitalism shape critical food studies.
(lec 3) cr 3

WGSX 3206 E Sexing the Nation 3 credits – L

The focus of this course is on understanding the roles of sex, sexuality and race in nationalist movements. To ‘sex’ the nation is to explore the set of practices, symbols, ideals and institutions that define and differentiate men and women’s membership to the nation. The concepts of racial and sexual purity often emerge as features of nationalism and these will be explored alongside racial and sexual identities that are considered deviant to national identity using examples from the Canadian and global contexts.
(lec 3) cr 3

WGSX 3306 E Female Sexualities – L, O

This interdisciplinary course explores the complexities of female sexual identities, experiences, and practices. Beginning from an understanding that sexuality is culturally and historically constructed, topics studied may include: historical, medical, and scientific discourses of female sexualities; female sexualities at the intersections of race, class, ethnicity, and dis/ability; sex and representation.
(lec 3) cr 3

WGSX 3316 E Women’s Activism, Global and Local – L

This course examines the strategies that women have used and are using in struggles for social justice and broad social change. With illustrations from women’s movements and present, and from the contemporary global context, the course evaluates and critiques different strategies for structuring organizations, publicizing issues, interacting with the state, and resisting oppression. A practical component may be included. Students may not retain credit for both WGSX 3316 and WGSX 3235.
PREREQ: 6 credits of WOMN courses.
(lec 3) cr 3

WGSX 3326 E Girl Cultures – L

This course examines the challenges that girls and young women face in current society and their ways of identifying and acting upon issues that are relevant to their lives. Students will examine young women’s engagements with feminist and cultural theory in ares such as fat politics, music, literary and popular culture.
(lec 3) cr 3

WGSX 3407 E The Gendered Construction of Violence – L, O

This course examines the gendered nature of violence, considering how the social construction of masculinity and femininity informs violent behaviour as well as differences in motivation, response and the perception of violence by men and women. In particular, it focuses on forms of violence that women commit and how a focus on gender can illuminate broader systems of violence such as racism, militarism, and the destruction of the environment.
PREREQ: WGSX 2406 or permission of the department. Students cannot retain credit for both WGSX 3407 and WGSX 3405 or WGSX 2405.
(lec 3) cr 3

WGSX 4005 E Directed Reading and Research Seminar – L

Students in this course are expected to produced a major research paper. Readings related to research or other topics will be chosen by professor and students for discussion in the seminar class. Only students enrolled in a four-year specialization in Women’s Studies are eligible.
PREREQ: WGSX 3015 or permission of the department.
(sem 2 tut 1) cr 6

WGSX 4095 E Independent Study – L

This course will provide an opportunity for qualified students to undertake a major project based on independent enquiry. The project may include a practical or artistic component. The project will be supervised by a faculty member who is qualified in the student’s area of study.
PREREQ: written permission of the department and the consent of the supervising professor.
cr 6

Courses offered by other departments at Laurentian that may be counted as elective credits in Women’s Studies

BIOL 2757 E Biological Aspects of Human Sexuality

This course deals with the interaction of brain and gonadal hormones in reproductive physiology and behaviour. The biology of sexual response and problems will be discussed.
PREREQ: BIOL 1700 or 1506/7 or instructor’s permission.
(lec 3) cr 3 (available only through Continuing Education)

CLAS 2095 E Women in the Ancient World

A focus on the development of attitudes towards women and their place in the ancient Near East and the Classical World. A wide variety of literary and archaeological evidence is used to investigate such topics as marriage, divorce, adultery, lesbianism, witchcraft, female infanticide, and the classical roots of attitudes towards women in Western society.
(lec 3) cr 6

ECON 2235 E Women in the Canadian Economy

A study of the economic circumstances of women in Canada with a particular emphasis on women in northern Ontario. The course begins with an analysis of the determinants of women’s labour force participation and human capital accumulation. This provides a framework for systematically calculating the female-male gap in wages, business, invest­ment and property income. Next, it considers economic relations within the household, examining the sexual division of household labour and the allocation of resources within families, and computing the contribution of housework to GDP. Finally, it examines public policy issues affecting women, especially pay and employment equity, poverty and social assistance, taxation, and daycare.
PREREQ: ECON 1005.
(lec 3) cr 6

ENGL 3256 E Women of Letters in the 18th Century

A study of the emergence of professional women writers in the 18th century, with emphasis on their works, the conditions of the literary marketplace and their relationship to it. Representative works are examined in detail.
(sem 3) cr 3

ENGL 3257 E 19th Century Women’s Writing

Focuses on writing by women in a period which saw a proliferation of their contributions to and establishment of their place in the literary world. A selection of novels, poetry and short stories by significant women writers such as Eliot, Dickinson and Rossetti may be considered.
(sem 3) cr 3

ENGL 3346 E Modern Women’s Writing

A selection of works by women, containing significant commentary on the status and experience of women including such issues as race, class and sexual preference, from 1900 to about 1950. Works are drawn primarily from British and North American literature, as well as from other emerging English literatures.
(sem 3) cr 3

ENGL 3157 E Women’s Writing in the 16th and 17th Century

Considers literary and cultural concerns of women’s writing from the 16th through the mid-17th centuries in both manuscript and print. It examines the many modes in which women write; constructions of literary tradition and authority; responses to early modern gender ideology and theories of women’s education; and relations among gender, sexuality and economics. Students cannot retain credit for both ENGL 3737 & ENGL 3747 E.
(sem) cr 3

ENGL 3347 E Contemporary Women’s Writing

A selection of works by women, containing significant commentary on the status and experience of women including such issues as race, class and sexual preference, from about 1950 to the present. Works are drawn primarily from British and North American literature, as well as from other emerging English literatures.
(sem 3) cr 3

ENGL 3807 E Writer’s Voice

This course examines the work of writers who have succeeded in more than one genre or voice. The focus of study is on how writers create distinctive voices through, for example, tone, figurative language, diction, syntax, theme, sense of audience, point of view. Such writers as the following may be included: Mary Wroth, Aphra Behn, Daniel Defoe, Oscar Wilde, Virginia Woolf, Toni Morrison, Vladimir Nabokov, Adrienne Rich, Tomson Highway, Anne-Marie MacDonald.
(sem 3) cr 3

ESPA 3516 N Women in the Hispanic World

A study of woman as cultural protagonist in Spain and Latin America, this course consid­ers women in literature both as character and author, in film both as actor and director, and in art both as subject and artist. Outstanding figures such as Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (poet and thinker), Emilia Pardo Bazán (novelist and critic), Frida Kahlo (painter), and María Luisa Bemberg (filmmaker), among others, are studied.
PREREQ: ESPA 2005 or equiv. (may be taken concurrently). Students may not also retain credit for ESPA 3505 or 2516.
(lec 3) cr 3

ENGL/FILM 3836 E Women and Film

This course will deal with the roles of women in film, women behind the camera, and women who write about film. The course will make use of examples from the silent period to the present.
PREREQ: a previous film course. Students may not retain credit for both ENGL/FILM 3836 and FILM 3136.
(sem 3) cr 3

HIST 3106 (formerly 3386) E – History of the Canadian Family

Surveys the changing form and function of the Canadian family from the colonial period to the present. Topics include: the impact on the family of agrarianism, industrialization, urbanization, war and immigration. Student may not retain credit for both HIST 3386 and HIST 3106.
(lec 2, tut 1) cr 3

HIST 3166 (formerly 3306) E – History of Women in Canada

An overview of women’s experience in Canada up to contemporary times. Emphasizes the social, economic and political changes made in women’s private and public roles, responsibilities and rights. Student may not retain credit for both HIST 3306 and HIST 3166.
(lec 2, tut 1) cr 3

HIST 3167 (formerly 3307) E – Themes in Contemporary Women’s History

An examination of the major trends in modern women’s history in its global context. Particular attention to the women’s movement and the variety and complexity of its impact upon women’s position in various societies. Student may not retain credit for both HIST 3307 and HIST 3167.
(lec 2, tut 1) cr 3

HIST 3616 (formerly 2216) E – History of Women and the Family in the pre-Industrial Era

An overview of women’s history and family history in their economic, social, cultural, and political contexts. Special attention is given to ideas about women’s role inside and outside the family and how this relates to the realities of women’s experience. Students may not retain credit for both HIST 2216 and 3616.
(lec 2, tut 1) cr 3

HIST 3617 (formerly 2217) E – History of Women and the Women’s Movement in the Modern Era

An examination of the changing concepts of women’s rights and women’s roles in the domestic and public spheres with special attention to the rise of the suffrage movements and the economic, social and political foundations of modern feminism. Students may not retain credit for both HIST 2217 and 3617.
(lec 2, tut 1) cr 3

HIST 4215 E – History of Gender Relations in Modern Canada

This course traces the history of gender relations in Canada during the twentieth century. The changing roles of women and men are examined in areas such as the family, work, politics and public policy. Attention is given to shifts in public attitudes and changes in private behavior throughout the past century. PREREQ: a related 3000-level course or the approval of the department.
(sem 3) cr 6

HIST 4526 E – The pre-industrial life-cycle

This seminar explores medieval and early modern European customs, prescriptions and experiences of significant life events and their celebration, ranging from birth to death. Prerequisite: a 2000 history level course or the approval of the department. Student may not retain credit for both HIST 4505 and 4526.
(sem 3) cr 3

HIST 4536 E – Gender in Early Modern Europe

The course applies gender analysis to explore the society and ideas of Reformation and Counter-Reformation Europe, 1500-1650. Prerequisite: at least 6 credits at the 2000 level in a related subject area. Consultation with instructor suggested.
(sem 3) cr 3

This course will examine the historical and theoretical threads that have led to present-day collaborative art practices, with a focus on social and aesthetic theory. The course will examine the interdisciplinary influences on collaborative art practices, including art education, cultural democracy, community healing and community development. From examples of local, national and international art projects, students will analyze the intentions, strategies, processes and results of successful collaborative art creation. Students will also develop and participate in an in-class collaborative art project.
(lec 3) 6 cr

JURI 3506 E – Legal Regulation of Close Adult Personal Relationships

This course will look at the legal regulation of close adult personal relationships from an his­torical and theoretical perspective. Students may not retain credit for both JURI 3505 and 3506.
PREREQ: JURI 1105.
(lec 3) cr 3

JURI 3606 E – Legal Regulation of Parent – Child Relationships

This course will look at how and why the law regulates parent-child relationships and the competing interests of parents, children and the state in such regulation. Students may not retain credit for both JURI 3505 and 3606.
PREREQ: JURI 1105.
(lec 3) cr 3

MUSC 3056 E – Women and Music

Examines the roles that women have played throughout the history of music, focusing on the contributions they have made as compos­ers, conductors, teachers, performers, instru­ment-makers and patrons.
(lec 3) cr 3

NATI 2216 E – Native Women: Perspectives and Issues

This course is concerned with the experiences of Native women in Canada from pre-contact times until the current era. Views of women that have predominated in different eras, as manifested in Native mythology, by the structures of Native societies, and in the historical record and government policies, are related tot he challenges that have emerged and continue to confront Aboriginal women. Native women’s responses to these issues are also examined.
(lec 3) cr 3.

PHIL 3026 E – Feminist Philosophy

Examines a number of issues in feminist philosophy, which may include some of the following: issues of gender, feminist ethics and ethics of care, feminism and language, feminist critiques of science, feminist political philosophy.
(lec 3) cr 3

POLI 3536 E – Gender and Politics: Concepts

An examination of conceptual issues relating to the study of gender and politics, includ­ing the debate about gender as an analytic category, feminist critiques of how political science defines politics, and an introduction to feminist political theory. Intended for 3rd-year students.
PREREQ: POLI 1005, WOMN 1005 or instructor’s permission.
(sem 3) cr 3

POLI 3537 E – Gender and Politics: Debates and Decisions

An examination of women’s participation in politics and governmental institutions, the construction of “women’s issues,” and (usually using case studies) an examination of how the political system deals with women’s issues. Intended for 3rd-year students.
PREREQ: POLI 1005, WOMN 1005 or instructor’s permission.
(sem 3) cr 3

RLST 2245 E – Women, Religion & Spirituality

This course examines the religious and spiritual experiences of women in a variety of religious traditions and cultures. The emphasis of the course is to uncover the multifaceted aspects of women’s religous lives through a careful study of scriptural texts, writings and stories. Central themes will include religious education and leadership, women’s interior and spiritual lives, reformation of patriarchal traditions, mystic contemplation and the life of virtue. The first half of the course will focus on women in western religious contents, par­ticularly Judaism and Christianity, while the second half of the course will look at women’s religious experiences in other world religions such as Islam, Jainism, Baháí and Taoism. Students may not retain credit for both RLST 2395 & 2216.
(lec 3) cr 6

SOCI 2636 E – Desire, Love and Work: Part One – The Social Making of Gendery

The primary objective of this course is to develop an understanding of the social making of gender in contemporary society. As a basis for this, anthropological and historical per­spectives will also be covered. The focus of this course will be on a critical investigation of the social creation of gender and of the gendered division of labour and patriarchal social orga­nization. The social making of normality and deviance in relation to gender will be explored. Students may not retain credit for SOCI 3626, 3627 (3625) and 2636.
PREREQ: SOCI 1015 or instructor’s permission.
(lec 3) cr 3

SOCI 3636 E – Desire, Love and Work: Part Two – The Social Making of Sexuality

The primary objective of this course is to de­velop an understanding of the social construc­tion of sexuality in contemporary society. As a basis for this, anthropological and historical perspectives will also be covered. The focus of this course will be on denaturalizing gender, sexuality, desire, masculine and feminine sexualities, heterosexualities and homosexualities to understand how these create and sustain, and are created and sustained, by the gendered division of labour and patriarchal social organization. The social making of normality and deviance in relation to desire and sexuality will be explored. Students may not retain credit for SOCI 3626, 3627, 3625 & 3636.
PREREQ: SOCI 1015 & 2636 or instructor’s permission.
(lec) cr 3

SOCI 4086 E – Class, Race, Gender and Ethnicity in the Workplace

Traditionally, the workplace has been organized and segregated on race, gender and ethnic lines. This course examines the way these social variables affect the contemporary workplace.
PREREQ: SOCI 3015, 3716 or instructor’s permission.
(lec 3) cr 3

SOCI 4157 E – Critical Analysis of Global Health Issues

Examines global health issues using class and gender analysis. The health impacts of colonialism and capitalism on Third World countries are examined, as are the health impacts of capitalist-patriarchy’s worldwide appropriation of women’s productive and reproductive capacities.
PREREQ: SOCI 2127, 3015 or instructor’s permission.
(lec 3) cr 3

SWLF 3807 E – Violence Against Women

Allows students to analyze the causes, the dynamics and the consequences of violence against women as well as to study the related strategies of intervention and prevention. Open to all University students. Students may not retain credit for both SWLF 3806/07 and 3805EZ
(lec 3) cr 3.

Professor Emeritus

Dr. Margaret Kechnie

Sessional Faculty

Shana Calixte

Janet Clark

Carolyn Djaferis

Dr. Margaret Kechnie

Professor Emerita

Dr. Mandy Koolen

Elizabeth McDougall

Laurie McGauley

Laurel O'Gorman

Class Projects

Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies – Past Major Research Papers/Theses

Students completing a Major in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies have the opportunity to write an extended research paper or thesis. With special permission other students may also take this course.

The extended paper examines a topic in-depth that is of interest to the student while the thesis is based on an original research question. The thesis may involve research with human participants. The paper is produced in the context of a 6 credit course that meets weekly to guide the student through a research design process, peer review and oral presentation skills in addition to other scholarly activities at the advanced undergraduate level. The following are examples of topics Women’s Studies students have taken up. The Department retains copies of all completed extended research papers and theses.